Tips for Working From Home with Pets

Working Dog Gets Stolen and Dropped in a Shelter 700 Miles From Home

We all love our pooches, don’t we? It’s impossible to imagine that someone would be capable of stealing your four-legged companion. But, sadly many dogs get stolen every day. That’s exactly what happened to Hank, a 12-year-old McNab mix, who was working on a ranch in Oregon.The woman who brought Hank to the St. George Animal Shelter told the staff that she had found the dog locally. However, Hank was more than 700 miles away from home!“He was a working dog,” said Animal Service Officer Supervisor Cathy Freitas to St. George News. The pooch was found on a ranch in Oregon and driven to St. George by a woman who lied to the shelter staff and said that she found the dog in the local area. “The dog was absolutely well cared for and happy,” Freitas added. “And the person who saw it assumed otherwise and thought rather than going to the authorities and saying ‘I found a dog,’ she intentionally drove the dog from that area because she didn’t want it to go back to the owner thinking that it wasn’t well taken care of because it was outside… Not every dog is going to be happy lying on your couch and eating snacks.”The shelter posted a photo of Hank on social media, hoping someone would recognize him. Luckily, the post reached the right people, and a person in Idaho recognized the pooch. Soon, everything became much clearer.As it happens, Hanks was with his family for a long time, and they missed him terribly. Unfortunately, Hank’s owners didn’t know where to start looking for him because the people who took him had driven so far away. When the shelter got ahold of the owners, they immediately got into their vehicle and drove 700 miles to get their dog. That’s 1,400 miles round trip - a sure proof of the love and dedication that they have for their pooch.The owners explained that Hank is in the fifth generation of McNab dogs bred to work on the family’s ranch. People should know that there are working dogs, Freitas explained. These dogs are bred and trained to work and that’s where they feel the most comfortable and happy. If you happen to find a dog near livestock, there’s a good chance that it’s a working dog, and it’s best not to approach it. If the dog seems neglected or injured, contact Animal Services or nonemergency dispatch. This way the local authorities can check on the dog and get a hold of its owner. When it comes to Hank, the St. George Animal Shelter wouldn’t be able to hold his owners accountable if he had been neglected or abused because they are outside of the St. George Police Department’s jurisdiction.  The police from the dog’s hometown wouldn’t have been notified, giving the family a chance to adopt another dog.Taking a dog like this is extremely stressful for them and their family, but it can also put their herd at risk, as they would be without a guardian and more likely to become prey. Luckily, this story has a happy ending and Hank is back on the ranch, helping his owners with livestock. His family could press charges against the woman who took him, even though she might have had the dog’s best interest at heart. At the end of the day, she stole Hank and transported him across state lines. If you come across a dog herding livestock, stay a safe distance away and don’t offer any treats or food. According to Freitas, most working dogs aren’t aggressive towards people, but they can be if they sense their herd is at risk. Let’s not forget that working dogs aren’t house pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

When Duty Calls, PACT Offers Pets A Temporary Home Away From Home

We give four paws up to this amazing initiative! PACT for Animals helps pet parents deal with unexpected separations and gives them a loving foster home in the meantime. Every year, thousands of pets are surrendered to animal shelters when their owners have to go on military leave or experience things like unexpected long-term hospital stays. In many cases, there just isn’t a friend or family member who can step in and look after their furry friend in the meantime. That’s where PACT for Animals comes in. The Pennsylvania-based non-profit matches pets in need (many of whom would otherwise sadly and needlessly end up in a shelter) with loving foster families who pledge to take care of them until their owner can return home. Not only that, but they provide this service for free! Related: Paws For Veterans Trains Rescue Dogs To Help Heroes With PTSD We can only imagine how awful it would feel to give up a beloved pet because we decided to serve our country overseas, or developed an unexpected illness and had to be hospitalized, leaving no one to care for our best furry friend. PACT is making sure that pet parents never have to be faced with such a terrible dilemma – instead, they have the peace of mind that comes with knowing their pooch or kitty is basking in the love of a foster family. Foster families are also always in contact with pet owners to provide regular updates including photos, messages and videos, which would certainly be comforting and would also be sure to bring a smile the owner’s face, no matter what their situation. (Because, really – who gets tired of looking at silly, adorable pics of their pet?!) Related: New Bill Introduced To Bring Retired Military Dogs Home After Overseas Combat Because it’s a charity, PACT is always looking for help, in the form of both finances and volunteers. If you’re interested in fostering a PACT pet, or helping out in another way, check out PACT’s Opportunities to Help page. And if you have a friend or family member who could use PACT’s help in temporarily looking after their pet, you can send the Foster Animal Application their way. One thing is definitely for sure: we wish PACT for Animals many, many years of success to come.

8 Tips to Hiring an In-Home Pet Sitter

If your pet isn’t cherishing the idea of a week-long stay the next time you go away, consider an in-home pet sitter. Here are a few things to check off when looking for the right fit. Whether your fur-kid is a lone child or one of many, sending him off to “pet camp” while the rest of the family goes on vacation can be a stressful time that includes a change in routine, unfamiliar faces and new surroundings. For many pet owners, the solution is an in-home pet sitter. The benefits to a home sitter are numerous and include not only that your pets get to remain healthy and stress-free in familiar surroundings, but that your home remains inhabited – which keeps the insurance companies happy. The right pet sitter will build a bond with your pets, recognizing if they are acting “off” and a visit to the vet may be required, noticing when they need a little extra attention, when they want to play and when they just want to snuggle. Related: How to Hire the Right Pet Sitter for your Frisky Feline So where do you begin to hire someone to come into your personal space and take care of the most precious beings in your life? Here are some tips: Referrals: Speak with your veterinarian, friends, family, neighbors and your dog trainer. Who have they used and why are they comfortable recommending them.Training and Qualifications: Do they have experience pilling a pooch, are they familiar with the special quirks of your pet’s breed, with large dogs, older cats, multi-dogs; anything that might make your situation unique to a sitter.Insurance and Bonding: An insured pet sitter should have documents showing proof of commercial liability (in case your pet injures someone) and be bonded (to protect you from theft). Don’t take their word for it -ask for written proof. References: Past clients should be happy to provide your sitter with a reference and you should plan to contact these clients with further questions.Back Up: What happens if the sitter becomes sick and cannot walk your dog or provide the services you expected. Do they have a back-up person?On the Clock: For live-in sitters, how long do you expect them to spend with your pet? Early morning and evening for cats? All day for dogs? If they walk other dogs, are you comfortable with your pooch joining the pack or do you prefer one-on-one?Communication: What is the agreed upon method and timing (if at all) to provide updates while you’re away? If your pet is frail or older, you may want regular text messages or emails. Do you want her to log your pet’s daily behaviors for when you return so you can spot any irregularities or change in his mood?Test Run: Before you seal the deal and embark on that three week trip to Far East Asia, do a test run. Take off for a weekend and have the sitter care for your pet. Together you can spot and resolve any problems or questions that may crop up and your pets have the chance to become familiar with this new person in their live

Pet Tips for Home Seekers and Sellers

Buying or selling your home, especially when you have a pet, means you need to take extra steps to ensure you find the right fit for you and your furry friend. The process of buying or selling a home is by no means simple. When it comes to selling a home there are certain things you can to do make your home more appealing to potential buyers and, as a buyer or renter, there are key things you should look for. Things become even more complicated once pets are involved – keep reading to learn some practical tips for home seekers and buyers with pets. Finding the Perfect Pet-Friendly Home When you are looking for the perfect apartment you need to keep your dog’s needs in mind as well as your own. Unfortunately, many rental agreements come with restrictions regarding pets such as size, breed, and number – it is also common for rentals to not allow pets at all. Related: Top 10 Best Dog Breeds For Apartments As you start looking around, check first to see if the unit allows pets to make sure you aren’t wasting your time. If you have already rented before, try to get a letter from your previous landlord stating that your pet never caused any problems. Even with glowing praise from a previous landlord, however, you may still face some opposition and you may have to settle for paying an additional pet deposit and even a monthly pet fee. If you are planning on purchasing a home, you do not have quite so many hoops to jump through because, ultimately, the home will be your property. Still, you do need to think about a few things before you really start looking. For one thing, think about what kind of lifestyle you want for yourself and for your pet? Do you want to live in an urban setting that is close to the center of activity or would you prefer a home that has plenty of outdoor space? If you choose an apartment or condo, where will you take your dog outside or will you housetrain him indoors? If you choose a home in a suburban area, is it close to a dog park or somewhere you can walk your dog? You also need to look into any rules or restrictions set forth by the homeowner’s association in your area. Related: Proper Dog Etiquette When Renting a Cottage Home-Selling Tips for Pet Owners Homeowners who own pets can sometimes run into problems when it comes time to sell their home. In the same way that smoking leaves a discernible odor in your home, so can the presence of a pet. Before you put your house on the market, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning to remove stains and all traces of pet odor from the carpet and furnishings. You also need to think about your yard, if you have one – potential buyers won’t want to see yellow stains or dug-up flower beds. As part of your cleaning preparations, you should also be sure to put away your pet’s bedding and toys so potential buyers can really picture themselves in their new home. Whether you are buying, renting or selling a home you need to think about the practical implications of bringing a pet along. If you take your time and cast a wide net, you should have no trouble finding a new home that is perfect for both you and your pet.

4 Tips to Keep Pets Safe From House Fires

Do you think you’re ready for a house fire? What happens if you’re not at home and your pets are inside? Here are four tips to keep your pets safe from house fires. A few years ago, I awoke from a dead sleep to a strange, loud beeping noise. It was one of our smoke detector alarms going off in a room at the other end of the house. I was the only adult in a house with two house cats. Though it turned out to be a false alarm — activated by too much dust on the sensor — it was incredibly scary. I was solidly brought to reality of how ill-prepared I was to get my family and pets out to safety should there ever be a true house fire. The most common disaster responded-to by the American Red Cross is home fires. It stands to reason that many of these fires would affect dogs, cats, or another companion animal inside. It’s one of those subjects that can be easy to forget — home fire safety. After all, it’s not like house fires are nearly as common as they once were. But knowing what you would do, just in case, could very well mean the difference between life and death for your companion animals. Here are 4 tips to help protect your pet from fires: 1) Make a Formal Fire Escape Plan Include your pets when drawing out your family’s fire escape route. And then, practice the evacuation plan with your pets in tow. Have a set place, if possible, where your pet spends the night. This makes it easier to find your pets in a hurry. Create a disaster kit specifically for your pets, with items that are pertinent to them. This would include feed and feed dishes, water bottles, treats, a collar and leash, any medications, and anything else that would be required should your pet need to leave home long-term. Another idea is to have a safe place for your pet to stay, such as with a neighbor or friend, if you would need to leave your home. Emergency shelters may not accommodate pets. Related: How To Prevent And Prepare For Fire Safety In Your Pet-Friendly Home 2) Affix a Pet Alert Window Cling to a Front Window Contact your local fire department for an emergency window cling to affix to one of your front windows where it would be easily seen by firefighters. Write the number of pets you have on the side of the window cling facing out. This information will alert firefighters that there are pets inside the building. 3) Keep Pets Near Entrances When Away From Home While you’re away, whether short-term or long-term, and if your pet is remaining at home, have your pets kept near the front entrance of the house. This makes it easier for a firefighter to locate them if there is a fire, as the firefighter would enter the house through the front door first. A dog can be kept in a kennel, for example. A cat would do better if kept in a front room. Also, keep collars on your pets when not at home and have leashes easy to locate right by the front door. For other animals that don’t leash well, keep an appropriate carrier at the ready near the entrance. Some pet parents choose to invest in a home monitoring system specifically for pets. The monitoring center can then alert firefighters about pets in your home. Related: Hot Dogs And Campfire Safety 4) Pet-Proof Your Home, Specifically for Fire Safety For how curious our pets are, it’s not surprising that some house fires are inadvertently started by pets themselves. Cats, leaping onto kitchen counter, may accidentally turn on the gas stove. Dogs, bored while waiting for you to come home from work, may chew on power cords. While you step out for a second to check the mailbox, your curious pet may accidentally tip over the lit candle on your mantle. Of course, they don’t mean to — but the consequences can be dire. Here are some quick tips to pet-proof your home, specifically keeping fire safety in mind: Extinguish flames before leaving the house. Never leave your pet unattended around an open flame, such as a gas flame or candle, even if briefly.Protect stove knobs. You can either remove the knobs completely while away from home, or purchase covers to place over knobs to prevent them from being turned.Try flameless candles or another air freshener method. Whether you simply light the ambiance of candles, or it’s the aroma that can’t be beat, there are alternatives that double as pet fire protection.Secure power cords. Many pets like to chew on cords. Keep these out of reach of their teeth.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by environmental factors such as pollen, mold, and dust mites. These allergies, also known as atopic dermatitis, often flare up during specific times of the year, causing discomfort and irritation. Recognizing the symptoms early can help pet owners manage their dog’s condition and improve their quality of life.Common Symptoms of Seasonal AllergiesSeasonal allergies primarily affect a dog’s skin, but they can also impact the respiratory system and digestive tract. Here are some key symptoms to watch for:Excessive Itching and Scratching: One of the most noticeable signs of allergies is persistent itching. Dogs may scratch, bite, or lick themselves, especially around their paws, ears, belly, and armpits.Red, Inflamed Skin: Allergic reactions can lead to skin irritation, causing redness, rashes, or hot spots that may worsen if left untreated.Ear Infections: Dogs with seasonal allergies are prone to ear infections, which present as head shaking, ear scratching, and a foul odor coming from the ears.Watery Eyes and Nasal Discharge: Allergies can cause runny eyes and sneezing, similar to hay fever in humans.Paw Chewing and Licking: Many allergic dogs obsessively chew or lick their paws, leading to irritation and even secondary infections.Hair Loss: Constant scratching and licking can result in thinning fur or bald patches, particularly in areas where the dog frequently rubs or bites.Respiratory Issues: Although less common, some dogs may develop coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing due to airborne allergens.Digestive Upset: While food allergies are more commonly linked to gastrointestinal issues, some dogs with seasonal allergies may experience occasional vomiting or diarrhea.When to See a VeterinarianIf your dog exhibits any of these symptoms for more than a few days, it’s important to consult a veterinarian. Allergies can often be mistaken for other conditions like fungal infections, parasites, or bacterial dermatitis. A vet can help determine whether seasonal allergies are the cause and recommend appropriate treatments.Managing Seasonal Allergies in DogsWhile seasonal allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed effectively with the right approach:

Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

Spring is a season of renewal, so it’s the perfect time to do some cleaning around the house to freshen things up, get rid of things you no longer need, and make space for new things. But if you share your home with pets, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure their well-being while you do your spring cleaning. Check out the information below to see how spring cleaning could potentially have adverse effects on pets, and what you can do to keep everyone happy.

How to Set Up the Perfect Feeding Area for Your Cat

Sometimes, it might seem that your cat is being picky about their food when, in fact, it’s a matter of them feeling uncomfortable in the area of your home where they’re fed. If you know that their food preferences are being met, and there isn’t a health concern that’s causing them to eat less than they should, you might need to tweak their feeding area to solve the problem. Keep reading to learn about a few of the things to keep in mind when deciding where your cat will have their meals.

When Should I Seek the Help of a Cat Behaviorist?

Address Problems and Improve Your Cat’s Life with a Cat BehavioristIf you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior, please don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your cat’s health and well-being. After all, many of these behaviors are rooted in your cat’s mental and emotional health due to stress, anxiety, fear, and other factors.Most cat behavior problems can be addressed and resolved with patience, consistency, and a little professional guidance. With the right support, your cat can overcome whatever challenges they face and thrive! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Do Rabbits Make Good Pets for Children?

Rabbits are undeniably adorable - fluffy, quiet, and full of charm. It’s no surprise that many children (and adults!) fall in love at first sight with them. But while rabbits can make wonderful companions, they aren’t always the right fit for every child or household. Like any pet, they have specific needs and behaviors that deserve careful consideration before bringing one home.Understanding Rabbit TemperamentUnlike cats or dogs, rabbits are prey animals by nature. This means they’re often more sensitive to loud noises, sudden movements, and rough handling. Young children, especially toddlers, may have a hard time being gentle or recognizing when a rabbit is scared or stressed.Many rabbits prefer to keep all four feet on the ground and don’t enjoy being picked up or cuddled tightly. For children expecting a snuggly, always-up-for-play kind of pet, this can be disappointing. Rabbits show affection in more subtle ways - nudging your hand, flopping down beside you, or following you around when they trust you.That doesn’t mean they can’t bond with children, but it does take patience, quiet interaction, and a calm environment.Rabbits Need Daily CareCaring for a rabbit is more involved than people often expect. They require:A balanced diet of fresh hay, rabbit pellets, leafy greens, and clean water.A clean and secure enclosure that offers enough room to move around, stretch, and hide.Daily exercise outside of their cage in a bunny-proofed area to stay physically and mentally healthy.Chew toys and enrichment to prevent boredom and dental issues.Even if a rabbit is technically “the child’s pet,” the reality is that most of the daily responsibilities - cleaning, feeding, vet visits - fall to the adults. Before bringing one home, ask yourself if your family is ready to take this on for the long haul.A Long-Term CommitmentRabbits live an average of 8–12 years, and some even longer. That’s a significant commitment, especially as children grow up, go through new interests, or eventually move out. It’s important to consider not just if your child is ready for a rabbit now, but if your household is ready for one for the next decade.That said, older children - especially those who are gentle, patient, and truly interested in animals - can form deep, meaningful bonds with rabbits. With the right guidance and supervision, they can learn responsibility, empathy, and the joy of caring for another living being.Choosing the Right RabbitIf you do decide a rabbit is the right choice for your family, it helps to research different breeds. Some are known for being more easygoing and social than others. For example, Mini Lops and Holland Lops are often recommended for families because of their calm temperaments.It's also a good idea to adopt from a rabbit rescue or shelter. Not only can staff help match you with a rabbit that fits your household, but many rabbits in rescues are already socialized and litter-trained.Setting Up a Rabbit-Friendly HomeTo make your new pet comfortable, you'll need:

Can Heating Pads Be The Right Solution for Your Aging Pet? Yes!

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How to Build a Bond with Your New Rescue Dog

Bringing home a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have - for both you and your new companion. But it’s also a big transition, especially for dogs who may have experienced abandonment, neglect, or trauma in their past.That’s why building a strong bond with your rescue dog isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of understanding. But with the right approach, you’ll create something truly special: a trusting, lifelong relationship rooted in love.Here’s how to begin that journey, one step at a time.Start with Space and PatienceThe first few days in a new home can be overwhelming for a rescue dog. Everything is unfamiliar - sights, sounds, smells, and people - and it can cause real anxiety.One of the best things you can do? Give your dog space to adjust.Let them explore the home at their own paceSet up a quiet, cozy area where they can retreatAvoid forcing interaction or physical affectionSome dogs will come to you right away. Others need time to feel safe. Let them set the pace.Establish a Calm, Predictable RoutineDogs thrive on routine - especially those recovering from unstable pasts. A regular schedule helps create a sense of safety and predictability.Try to:Feed at the same times each dayKeep walks, bathroom breaks, and playtime consistentOffer a regular bedtime or wind-down ritualThe more predictable life becomes, the more confident and secure your dog will feel.Use Positive ReinforcementWhen it comes to training and bonding, positive reinforcement is your best friend.Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or gentle affectionKeep training sessions short and low-pressureCelebrate the little wins - sitting, coming when called, or just making eye contactAvoid punishment or harsh corrections. Fear-based methods can damage trust, especially with dogs who may already be unsure of people.

Vet Pinpoints Common Household Dangers for Pets

No other place feels like home; it’s where our furry companions feel cozy and safe. However, some common household objects can turn a loving home into a danger zone.A second-year emergency and critical care resident at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Shayna Doyle, warns pet parents about common but unsuspecting toxins found in homes and shares tips on how to keep our four-legged friends safe from these potential dangers. Pets, especially cats, are known to be curious and always in the mood to explore every nook and cranny of their homes. Sometimes, unfortunately, these adventures can put a pet’s life in danger. Electrical cords, insect repellent, and certain human medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin, alprazolam, and acetaminophen, among many others, can be dangerous and even fatal to pets. But meds aren’t the only items that can send your beloved pet to the vet. Many pet parents are unaware that common household plants like lilies and Dieffenbachia are very toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting them can cause kidney damage, heart problems, convulsions, and even death.The kitchen, the place where all cats and dogs want to be, is a true danger zone. Items like coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and peanut butter are toxic to cats and dogs. “A sharp item like an animal bone can poke holes anywhere and everywhere, including in a pet’s mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines,” said Doyle. “They can also get stuck in their jaw or esophagus.”Eating bones can cause blockages in the small intestine, which are often life-threatening and require immediate surgery. While exploring their homes, cats and dogs can come across stray batteries, which contain countless potentially harmful chemicals. Mercury, sulphuric acid, nickel, lead, and cadmium are found even in the smallest batteries and are toxic to pets. “Button batteries, or the flat batteries you might put in a garage door opener, for example, are the worst kind of battery for pets to ingest,” said Doyle. “These batteries generate electrical current on any moist surface, so they can burn through an animal's entire gastrointestinal tract and create extremely severe symptoms.” Keeping an eye on pets as they snoop around the house is the best way to keep them safe from common household toxins. Pet parents should also be aware of their pet’s health and look for signs of poisoning. The most common symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, wobbly gait, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, and lethargy. “If symptoms are something you’d be worried about in a human child, it’s worth having a pet evaluated by a veterinarian,” Doyle added. Even if you do everything right and pet-proof your home, accidents can still happen. Pets are known to go to great lengths to get into things they shouldn’t. A spilled drink, leftover yarn, or a small battery may seem insignificant but prove fatal for a pet. “Just as parents would child-proof a home, pet owners should pet-proof a home. That means keeping all dangerous items out of reach, even ones you think your pet wouldn’t go to eat or chew on,” said Doyle. “When animals are bored, home alone, or unsupervised, they can do things that we would never expect, so it’s important to be prepared to try to prevent as many negative outcomes as possible.” Once you learn which common household items can harm your four-legged companion, you’ll be able to take steps to keep those items out of your pet’s reach and have a plan in case you need to rush your pet to an emergency veterinary clinic if poisoning occurs.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Tips to Capturing Amazing Pics of Your Pooch

Pro pet photog shares his tricks to getting your dog to say cheese. And sometimes, it actually includes cheese.

What Is Pica In Dogs?

Pica is a behavioral disorder in dogs characterized by the persistent consumption of non-food items. Dogs with pica may ingest objects such as plastic, rocks, fabric, wood, paper, and metal. While occasional chewing or mouthing of objects is normal, repeated ingestion of nonnutritive substances can signal an underlying medical or psychological issue. Understanding pica and its treatment is crucial, as consuming hard or indigestible objects can pose serious health risks to your pet.Causes of Pica in DogsPica can arise due to medical conditions, dietary deficiencies, or behavioral issues. Some health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) , parasitic infections, and hormonal imbalances like diabetes or thyroid disorders, may trigger abnormal cravings. Inadequate levels of essential nutrients - such as iron, vitamins, or fiber - can also drive dogs to seek out non-food substances. On the behavioral side, anxiety and stress are common culprits, especially in dogs experiencing separation anxiety, boredom, or sudden changes in their environment. Some dogs may even develop pica as a way to get attention, learning that eating non-food items prompts a reaction from their owners. In certain breeds, compulsive tendencies can also contribute to this unusual behavior.Risks and Health ComplicationsThe primary symptom of pica is the repeated ingestion of non-food items, which can lead to severe health complications:Gastrointestinal Blockage: Swallowed objects such as plastic, stones, or fabric can cause life-threatening obstructions that often require surgical intervention.Toxicity: Some non-food items, including certain plants, chemicals, and household products, can be poisonous to dogs.Dental Damage: Hard objects like metal or rocks can break teeth or cause mouth injuries, leading to pain and potential infections.If a dog exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, constipation, or loss of appetite, immediate veterinary care is essential.Treatment and PreventionThe good news is that pica can often be managed once you figure out the root cause. Here are some ways to help:

Survey Finds People Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Their Pets

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you may be working on your plans for the day. And if you’re a pet parent, you might even be thinking about cute ways to celebrate this special day with your furry companion—and if that’s the case, you aren’t alone. It turns out that many people celebrate Valentine’s Day with their pets, according to a survey by Petlibro.

Why Is My Dog Drooling?

Dog owners often notice their furry friends drooling, and in many cases, it’s completely normal. However, if the drooling seems excessive or unusual, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention. Understanding the reasons behind your dog’s drooling can help you determine whether it’s a natural occurrence or something that needs intervention. Here’s what you need to know.Normal Causes of DroolingAnticipation of FoodDogs are known for their love of food, and much like humans might salivate at the thought of a delicious meal, dogs may drool when they anticipate eating. This is a natural reaction triggered by their salivary glands preparing to aid digestion.Breed-Specific TraitsSome breeds, such as Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands, and French Bulldogs, are naturally prone to drooling due to their anatomy. Their loose lips and jowls make it easier for saliva to escape. If you own one of these breeds, their drooling is likely a normal characteristic.Emotional ResponsesDogs can drool more than usual when they are excited, nervous, or stressed. For instance, a trip to the vet, meeting another dog, or encountering new situations can trigger increased salivation. Pay attention to the context to identify if emotions are the cause.Heat and ExerciseOn hot days or after vigorous activity, dogs may pant to cool down, which can result in drooling. This is a natural mechanism to regulate body temperature and shouldn’t be a cause for concern unless it’s accompanied by other symptoms.When to Worry: Potential Health IssuesIf your dog’s drooling doesn’t align with the causes above, it might indicate a health problem. Below are some possible issues to watch for:Dental ProblemsConditions such as gum disease, tooth abscesses, or oral infections can cause excessive drooling. Signs to look for include bad breath, reluctance to eat or chew, or visible redness and swelling in the gums. Regular dental care, including professional cleanings and dental chews, can help maintain your dog’s oral health.